A new model home, specifically designed for use by persons with dementia, was recently established in Japan to showcase new technologies that support independence.
Continue reading "Model Home Helps With Dementia Independence" »
Mild Cognitive Impairment or MCI, is often noted as an early stage of dementia. Early detection and diagnosis of MCI or dementia is needed to increase quality of life.
The Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University have devised an easy test that can be administered yearly to check for reaction time and memory functions. The researchers named the test "DETECT".
There is a new topic that seems to be polarizing dementia caregivers and it is the idea of using "electronic tagging" as a safety device for persons with dementia.
Have you heard of the new Microsoft SenseCam? It is a special digital camera that is thought to be of help to those with dementia.
I'm sure by now you have heard of "Wii", the new interactive way to play games such as tennis. The premise is simple: using a sophisticated attachment on the body, a person simulates movements in a sport or other activity and the TV screen displays the results.
If you are using the tennis module, you use your hand to simulate the action of the racket against an imaginary ball. The computer shows how your arm motion actually worked in a game format. The Wii commercials are everywhere with the holidays upon us so you'll be certain to see an example of how it works if you haven't already.
I heard about a newly designed, high-tech way to help persons with dementia cope with ongoing needs, such as seeking information (repetitive questions) or just daily functioning called Mind Scout.
Although not available yet and certainly quite expensive, Mind Scout
Continue reading "How Dementia Caregivers Deal With Repetitive Questions- Part III" »
Now that you have an idea of what a multi-sensory environment is, how do you go about putting together such an area? All you need is a small space, comfortable seating or reclining area and some props.
Continue reading "Dementia Symptoms Eased By Multi-Sensory Environment - Part II" »
Britain is leading the way with some exciting new technology research that should help dementia caregivers.
The first locator system, called the SOS (trademarked system), was developed by Blue Tree Services and was just released into the UK marketplace. The SOS system uses an alarm that is worn by a person with dementia. This alarm allows a caregiver to monitor the person's location by using an individual mapping system. The system is internet based and can help watch one or more people who are in motion. These smart alarms also let the caretaker know if the alarm system is not being worn or has been left somewhere. Mike Smuts, the Managing Director of Blue Tree Services, feels that this product, "...can give freedom back to individuals without compromising their safety". For more information and availability for medical applications, visit www.bluetreeservices.co.uk.
Imagine a person with dementia having limited caregiving needs because his house "speaks" to him. That's the exciting news from a joint venture between the Bristol City Council's Adult Community Care Service, Dementia Voice and Housing 21. The technology was actually developed by the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering (BIME) at the University of Bath. The goal of the project was to find ways to help people adjust to living back alone in their homes after a spell in the hospital and to try to prevent re-hospitalizations. Special sensors installed in the pilot homes respond to the behaviors of the occupants by giving simple voice prompts, recorded by familiar family members. For instance, if a person was noted to be moving around at night, voice prompts would direct him gently back to bed. Lights might go on in response to getting out of bed and faucets would shut off after a period of time. A good summary of the whole project can be found at http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Eldercare/7-01-24-NewTechnology.html
Technology continues to make almost daily news and the lucky recipients of this growing field are the caregivers of the future.
Homewatch Caregivers, an in-home caregiver service, recently ranked at #227 in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 rating. Like Dunkin' Donuts and McDonalds, Homewatch is available for purchase as a franchise and has proven very popular. Homewatch Caregivers, which serves in-home seniors, adults and children, is currently available in 140 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The organization offers services such as medication reminders, transportation, personal care, minor medical services and in-home companions.
Vigil Healthcare of British Columbia is creating a stir by announcing that they have finally had a large purchase of their integrated care management system from a "leading North American provider of senior housing." Vigil offers special software and hardware that offers a nurse call system, bed monitoring and other wireless features for dementia caregivers. A few years ago I met with the Vigil representatives and we discussed some of their offerings for our dementia unit. We did not purchase at that time but I have continued to recommend the system. They also had mentioned a few years ago that they planned on entering the home marketplace at some point.
Check them out!
In the newly evolving field of consumer health electronics, we have a new development that has potentially great benefits for long distance caregivers and especially those in the beginning stages of dementia. Two researchers, Dadong Wan and Adam Pilon, of Accenture Technology Labs in Chicago, have designed a new system called "The Virtual Family Dinner". The concept is like a sophisticated video-conferencing system that alerts a distant person that a family member is about to prepare a meal. The distant caregiver can tune into the scene via speakers, microphone and a small camera, allowing each person to see the other virtually and spend the mealtime together.
Sounds crazy to you? A little Big-Brotherish? Well, to those who care for family members with early stage dementia, this technology could assist with minimal monitoring and possibly delay placement outside the home. Proper nutrition is an area of concern for those with dementia. This technology could also assist with a greater food intake as studies have indicated that eating with someone may help the person consume at least 100 extra calories each meal. The extra benefit for the long distance caregiver is the ability to check out the person during this brief encounter and see how they look physically and how their surroundings look as well.
Like other newly conceived technologies, the Virtual Family Dinner will not be available for at least two years and could cost up to $1000 per home. Some technical know-how will be needed which may be a concern for some seniors.
Accenture has added the Virtual Family Dinner to their other "online health services" such as the "Lifeshirt", which can monitor some physiological signs when worn and the "Home Medicine Cabinet", a devise that helps people remember to take their medications.
Do you think technology has gone too far with the loss of privacy that may occur or is this right on track?
